India's jungles are vast and diverse. There are almost 100 national parks and 450 wildlife sanctuaries, which are huge attractions for visitors.
These are some of the largest and most well known ones.
In Kerala (southern India):
- Nagarhole National Park
- Periyar National Park
- Wayanad National Park
In Madhya Pradesh (central India):
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Kanha National Park
- Panna National Park
- Pench National Park
In Rajasthan (western India desert):
- Ranthambore National Park
- Sariska National Park
In Gujarat (western India):
In Uttarakhand (northern India):
- Corbett National Park
- Rajaji National Park
- Valley of Flowers National Park
In Assam (north east India):
In West Bengal (eastern India):
- Sunderbans National Park
- Jaldhapara Wildlife Sanctuary
In Orissa (eastern India):
- Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bhitarkanika National Park
- Simlipal National Park
For those who face time or traveling restrictions but still want to experience nature in India, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is accessibly located within the city limits of Mumbai, on the northern fringe.
Each national park is unique in regards to its wildlife and scenery. Therefore, it's wise to have an idea of what you want to see before making a decision about where to visit.
- If you'd like to try your luck at spotting India's regal Bengal tiger, it's best to head to one of the smaller national parks with the highest concentration of tigers, such as Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore, or the little known Tadoba National Park. Safaris on elephant back (as well as jeep safaris) are offered at Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Kaziranga, and Pench national parks. Ranthambore only operates safaris in vehicles.
- Kaziranga is an isolated and picturesque park that's home to many threatened species, particularly the rhinoceros.
- The parks in Kerala are the best for viewing elephants, where herds of them roam free. You can explore Periyar by boat, and well as go trekking and rafting.
- Boat trips are also offered through the dense mangrove jungle of the Sunderbans.
